The perfect combination to explore Panama and Costa Rica. During 9 days, you will enjoy the contrast between the historical, cultural and modern of Panama City and discover the natural wonders of Costa Rica.
Day 1
In Central America, Panama stands as the most cosmopolitan city and the only capital on the seashore. Its tropical climate is characterized by high temperatures ranging between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
The City offers a variety of choices for all tastes; combining impressive modern infrastructure with some treasures of distant times such as Casco Antiguo (the Old Quarter), a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Lodging at Best Western Plus Zen hotel
The property is strategically located in the financial district of Panama City, close to the best malls, restaurants, casinos and entertainment centers. The hotel features 89 superior rooms and 1 junior suite; all of them offering amazing views of Panama City. To complement, the hotel also offers supplementary services for guests such as 24-hours reception service, a business center with printing service, a full-equipped gym, a cozy bar located in the rooftop, a small coffee shop located in the lobby, a heated swimming pool located in the last floor, and four functional meeting rooms.
Day 2
First visit the Miraflores Locks visitor’s center, the nearest set of locks to the city, makes it possible to learn about the history and the daily operation of the Canal. This visitor’s center has three main attractions: The Museum, the audiovisual presentation, and the lookout point where it’s possible to observe the ships passing through each one of the chambers.
After this, and accompanied by your guide, you will visit the charming “Casco Antiguo” or Old Quarter, built in 1673 after Panama La Vieja (the first city) was looted and burned. The predominant architectural style of the Casco Antiguo is a combination of Italian, French and Spanish colonial.
During the expedition through this colonial part of the city you will have the opportunity to visit some churches including the famous Golden Altar which survived the plundering and destruction of pirate Morgan, and different parks and plazas while you learn about the history of the city.
Lunch is included in a local restaurant.
To end the day, you will visit the Biomuseo, which is located in the Amador Causeway. This museum was designed by the world-renowned architect Frank Gehry and is his only work in Latin America.
The Biomuseo’s 4,000 square meters contain eight permanent exhibition galleries – created by the Canadian designer Bruce Mau, and the main theme is the origin of the Panamanian isthmus and its gigantic impact on the planet’s biodiversity.
Lodging at Best Western Plus Zen hotel
Day 3
The Embera Quera Indigenous Community is located at the end of the Gatun River. The tour begins with a 30-minute ride through the river in a canoe with outboard; during the trip is possible to enjoy the beautiful flora and fauna of the region and learn a little bit about the lifestyle of the community.
Once in the community, one of the members will explain you in detail about the culture, the food and the language of the Emberas; and will answer all the questions you may have about their way of life. Besides, a cultural presentation with traditional dances and music will allow you to interact with the group and the members of the community.
At the end, you will have the opportunity to shop some of the handmade crafts by the community residents.
A light, traditional lunch is included during the tour; usually based on the catch of the day.
Lodging at Best Western Plus Zen hotel
Day 4
Departs early in the morning from your hotel in the city, directly to the train station. The Trans-Isthmian railway system was built in 1850 to facilitate the construction of the Panama Canal.
The train journey takes about 1 hour, taking you to Colon, going through the jungle, the Soberania National Park and along the Panama Canal.
Upon arrival, you will be transfer to the city of Portobelo, one of the most important American ports during the colonial time. Here, you will learn about the history of the town that in 1668 was attacked by the pirate Henry Morgan and you will visit the most interesting and historic ruins: the forts of Santiago and San Geronimo.
Lunch is included in one of the restaurants of Portobelo.
After lunch, you will start the way back to Panama City; but first, you will stop at the Agua Clara Visitor Center of the Panama Canal. This visitor center offers a breathtaking panoramic view that contrasts two particular scenarios. On one side you will find the famous Gatun Lake, where cargo ships and other vessels transit every day, while on the other side, but from a different perspective, you will be amazed by the view of the modern set of locks.
Lodging at Best Western Plus Zen hotel
Day 5
This tour immerses you in the rich Costa Rican culture and history by experiencing to observe beautiful museums and historical sites of San José. It begins with an orientation and drive through the beautiful Sabana Park. Next, you will observe the historic National Theater. Completed in 1897, the theater is a masterpiece in art and architecture. We will continue heading to the University of Costa Rica, the Supreme Court and various sites of interest. Entrance to museums are not incuded. This tour is only a sightseeing tour but a Typical Lunch is included in one of the most beautiful areas of our city.
Lodging at Grano de Oro Hotel
Located in the oldest historical section of San Jose, the hotel is a small but significant part of Costa Rica’s rich heritage. A few minutes away, there are several tourist attractions such as the zoo, the Pre-Columbian Jade Museum, the National Museum, the Gold Museum, some famous parks, a variety of restaurants, shops and businesses. The hotel has 33 rooms, including 19 Standard rooms, 12 Superior rooms and Two Family Connecting rooms. All of them have TV, safe deposit box, hair dryer and an executive desk.
Day 6
Para llegar a las diferentes atracciones incluidas durante este tour, conduciremos por la ciudad de Alajuela pasando por el Monumento a la Agricultura, el Monumento a Juan Santamaría y el famoso Parque del Mango. La primera parada será en el Volcán Poas, notaremos el cambio de temperatura y vegetación; Veremos plantaciones de café, helechos, flores y granjas de fresas a lo largo del camino, creando un paisaje colorido. El Poas es uno de los volcanes más espectaculares del país, con su enorme cráter de un kilómetro de diámetro y 314 metros de profundidad. Las piscinas de azufre azules de cristal le sorprenderán junto con el vapor que se levanta de los varios respiraderos volcánicos. También caminaremos hacia la hermosa Laguna de Botos. El tour continúa para descubrir la Paz Waterfall Gardens, un parque natural donde recorreremos algunos senderos espectaculares que conducen a la Cascada de la Magia Blanca. También visitaremos el observatorio de mariposas más grande y la impresionante galería de colibríes, el serpentario, la casa antigua, la casa de los pájaros y la exposición de las ranas. El almuerzo está incluido.
Alojamiento en el hotel las Colinas.
Con excelentes vistas del majestuoso Volcán Arenal y a sólo 50 metros al sur del parque central de La Fortuna se encuentra el Hotel Las Colinas. Cuenta con 20 habitaciones en diferentes categorías: habitación estándar, habitación económica, junior suites y una habitación especialmente diseñada para discapacitados. Todos ellos están en su mayoría equipados con TV, aire acondicionado, lavandería, secador de cabello, caja fuerte y nevera. Las Colinas Hotel ofrece una relajante terraza en el segundo piso, un restaurante y conexión inalámbrica a Internet.
Day 7
Sky Tram is a tour for all ages and even for people with some disability, thanks to the space of the gondolas that can fit a wheelchair. The slow-paced Sky Tram gondolas soar smoothly, offering impressive views of the rainforest, the Arenal volcano and the lake. Accompanied by a bilingual guide, the ride takes around 20 minutes with the possibility of short stops to take one-of-a-kind photographs or to spot a tropical bird. This quiet and calm ride is combined with the exciting canopy tour or Sky Trek. The canopy tour includes 8 cross-sectional cables with a total length of 1.7 miles and a maximum height of 660 feet.
Lodging at Tabulia Tree Hotel.
Tabulia Tree Hotel & Villas is located in famous Manuel Antonio. The hotel offers three types of accommodation: 10 Standard rooms, 12 Deluxe rooms and 3 Tiki Villas. All Standard rooms are equipped with A/C, ceiling fan, safety box, telephone, 1 or 2 full size beds and HD cable TV. All of them share a 2nd level balcony or ground floor terrace with hammocks and chairs to hangout in. Deluxe rooms feature the same amenities than Standard rooms, plus a mini refrigerator and a sofa-bed. Tiki Villas are perfect for families, small groups of friends traveling together or even a couple that just wants plenty of room to relax in.
Day 8
Watch sloths and monkeys moving through the tree canopy, hunt for nocturnal silky anteaters, surprise iguanas resting on a tree and listen to the songs of the various birds. And if you are lucky, you might spot one of the 1,000 remaining endangered Mono Titi or squirrel monkey that live in Manuel Antonio National Park biological corridor. See how many different kinds of flora and fauna you can spot just in the span of a 2 ½ hour nature walk and enjoy some local fresh fruits and refreshments at the end of the trail. If you like, you can hike additionally through the trails and enjoy unspoiled, un-crowded, pristine beaches after or you can stay at the beach for a relaxing afternoon once the tour is over.
Duration: 3½ hours approx. This park is closed on Mondays.
Includes: Transfers, bilingual naturalist guide, entrance fee, snacks and natural drinks
What to bring? Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes, bathing suit, sunscreen, towel, hat and sunglasses.
Lodging at Tabulia Tree Hotel.
Day 9
Check in at airline counter must be done three hours prior to flight departure. Duration: 3.5 hours.
